Transport of Injected Produced Water: A Sensitivity Study

Abstract: This paper deals with the development and application of a model to assess potential environmental effects on Underground Sources of Drinking Water (USDW) due to the presence of an improperly plugged abandoned well (IPAW) that penetrates both a USDW and an injection zone and a sensitivity study to determine the parameters most likely to influence the likelihood of USDW contamination. The results show that extent of restriction to flow in the abandoned borehole is among the most sensitive parameters. Significant amount of material in the borehole will most likely prevent USDW contamination and even a small amount of collapse is likely to severely limit USDW contamination.